Foxconn 9600GT 512 MB Review

Introduction:

Every time a new generation of products is released, the assumption is that the latest and greatest has to perform better than the last generation to be considered a success. Generally this rings true. As the replacement for the Nvidia 8600 series, the 9600 series of video cards should offer increased performance. Just how much of a gain is the million dollar question! In today's world of upwards spiraling energy and consumer goods costs, what level of performance are the average computer users willing to pay for and won't kill the household budget? For many, the mid range is right on the money, while of course, there is the enthusiast sector that just throws caution to the wind in the quest for performance.

The Foxconn 9600 GT 512MB (Standard OC) video card should help answer some of these questions. Featuring a core clock speed of 655MHz, memory clock speed of 1820MHz (910), a shader clock speed of 1625MHz and 512 megabytes of GDDR3 memory, it has the tools to wage that mid range war. How will it compare to the current crop of video cards on the market? Let's find out.

Closer Look:

The Foxconn 9600GT comes in a flashy box with a Warrior Queen on the front panel. Flashy not just as in colorful, but also sporting a pearlescent sheen. The front panel identifies the 9600GT as the Standard OC model listing few of the features and really highlighting the awards Foxconn has garnered for its products over the past six months. The rear panel shows all 80 of the awards its VGA products have earned, as well as highlighting the inexpensive performance of this video card. Opening the flip up front panel reveals the 9600GT as well as showing the slogan "Truth in Engineering." This slogan is part of the company's mantra. Providing real performance without the hype. The items highlighted are the two power filters, Japanese solid capacitors and a thermalsafe IC. The explanation of each point is on the flip up panel.

The 9600GT is held in place by the box divider. This method seems to permit some movement while in transit. Underneath the card are the accessories.

Speaking of accessories. The items included with the Foxconn 9600GT include the manual, driver disc, a program disc with Drive Clone 3 and Virtual Drive Pro v11.5, two DVI to D-sub adapters, a power adapter and an S-Video to Composite adapter. Pretty much enough to get the 9600GT connected to either a monitor or television.